Ratan Thiyam Biography 
Ratan Thiyam is a playwright and theatre director from Manipur. He was one of leading figures of the "theatre of roots" movement in Indian theatre, started during early 70’s. He received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2012. He is a pioneer of contemporary theatre works. He is also known as a painter. He is the founder-director of 'Chorus Repertory Theatre', Imphal. He was director of National School of Drama for a couple of years, 1987 and 1988.
Rattan graduated from NSD in 1974. He set up a theatre group called Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1974. ‘Uttar Priyadarshi’ in Manipuri language was staged at the 1st Bharat Rang Mahotsav of NSD, New Delhi. Kalidasa’s epic poem Ritusamharam presented at 4th BRM in 2002 was another noted work. Other noted plays of his theatre group include - Karanabharam (1979), Imphal Imphal (1982), Chakravyuha (1984), Lengshonnei (1986), Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama, Andha Yug, Wahoudok and Ashibagee Eshei (2008). His works and mostly based on Indian themes and deeply reflected social problems and spiritual yearnings. His works are strongly influenced by Natya Sastra, written by saint Bharata. In a few works, he has wisely used traditional marital art forms.
For his contributions to Indian art, Indian government conferred him with Padma Shri in the year 1989. He received Indo-Greek Friendship Award from Greece in the year 1984. Fringe Firsts Award, from Edinburgh International Festival (1987), Diploma of Cervantino International Festival, (Mexico) in 1990, Kalidas Samman in 2005, John D. Rockefeller Award in 2008 and Bharat Muni Samman in 2011 are other honours received by this great theatre director of contemporary times. Thiyam is often considered one of leading contemporary theatre gurus. He has conducted plays abroad including Australia and US. Karanabharam and Chakravyuha are his best known works.
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Updated: January 08, 2014
